JU yet to decide on award list

KOLKATA: Jadavpur University (JU) will confer the DSc Honoris Causa on Avinash Chandra, scientific advisor to DRDO, at the convocation on December 24. The choice for DLitt Honoris Causa, however, has not yet been finalized as the varsity is waiting for a nod from industrialist Mukesh Ambani and former soccer star Baichung Bhutia.
The list of bigwigs who have either turned down or kept mum on JU’s invitation this year is long.Despite several reminders, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly did not give his consent.
“We came to know from the media that he wanted the university authorities to sort out the imbroglio with the agitating students and ensure that peace returns to the campus before he accepts the honour. We, however, are still in the dark,” said a university official.
Among others who did not respond is eminent economist Pranab Bardhan. “We had sent invitations to Nobel Laureate Mohammed Younis and celebrated philosopher Arindam Chakraborty. Both informed us that they will not be able to turn up since they have prior commitments. Author Amitava Ghosh was contacted but he had other appointments. Hence we didn’t proceed,” added an official.
Though an arts professor claimed that many had turned down the offer keeping in mind the prevailing situation in JU, vice-chancellor Abhijeet Chakraborty refuted all such claims. “This is just for the sake of controversy that people are claiming many have turned down our invitation. We have already received confirmation from Avinash Chandra and Baichung Bhutia. Former ISI director Shankar Pal will deliver the convocation address.”